Derry City manager Declan Devine has revealed his side WILL get the chance to face Celtic, despite a weekend friendly being cancelled.
The Hoops had lined-up a friendly with Irish champions Dundalk, but that had to be pulled due to coronavirus travel restrictions.
Derry offered to step into the breach, and as they are based north of the border it was hoped they would be able to travel to take on Neil Lennon 's side.
But as revealed by Record Sport, they then received a warning from the FAI that, by accepting a glamour friendly with the Premiership champions, their players and coaching staff would be unable to compete in a top flight clash against St Pats in Dublin on August 3.
Declan Devine told the Derry Journal : "It was a brilliant opportunity which was put to us by Celtic.
"We did all our business as clean as a whistle and Celtic were very impressed with how we went about our side of things in preparation for the game.
“We all went and got tested and did everything by the book and then at the last minute the FAI wouldn’t sanction it as far as I know.
"It’s disappointing but at the same time, Celtic have given us an assurance they will have us over at a time that suits in the coming months.
“We would have loved the opportunity to go over there and play but at the same time it was vitally important that as a club we took guidance and listened to the powers that be.
“From the players point of view, the positive out of it all is that they will be promised a game at Parkhead in the coming months.”
